15 Jul Join in and live longer better this summer

Nordic walking in & around the Bay – one of many activities in Active Lives Torbay’s summer programme

Staying active is key to living a longer, healthier independent life. Full stop. And yet the myth continues that you should do less as you get older.

For years we were led to believe that retirement was a time to put your feet up, kick back and enjoy a well-earned and much-deserved rest, but that would be advice you follow at your peril.

Instead of doing less as you get older, you should aim to do more; you just have to adapt to ensure you remain physically active in ways appropriate to your level of fitness and general health.

No one is expecting you to suddenly take up marathon running or take on the King of the Mountains on your shiny new bike, so you have to adjust to the natural loss of muscle mass and strength that begins at age 30.

Inactivity means the loss of muscle mass and strength and that naturally accelerates later in life, but can be slowed considerably or even reversed with regular resistance exercises, such as lifting weights, using resistance bands, or performing bodyweight exercises like squats and press-ups.

Stronger muscles also improve balance, reduce the risk of falls, and make everyday activities such as climbing stairs, carrying shopping, and getting up from a chair much easier.

Exercise is also vital for maintaining healthy bones. Weight-bearing activities such as walking, dancing, hiking, and strength training stimulate bone growth and help slow the loss of bone density associated with ageing. This reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, which can have serious consequences for older adults.

Cardiovascular exercise remains equally important. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging strengthen the heart and lungs, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Regular aerobic exercise also improves circulation, energy levels, and endurance, making it easier to stay active and independent.

The benefits extend way beyond physical health and have a powerful impact on mental health and wellbeing by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression through the release of endorphins.

And the list of benefits goes on. Studies have shown that physically active older adults are less likely to experience cognitive decline and dementia whilst also supporting memory and concentration.

Yoga, tai chi and dedicated balance exercise don’t just improve coordination, posture and mobility; they also reduce the risk of falls, one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence amongst older people.

All of these things and many, many more are explored in our Active Lives, Live Longer Better Project, which has just released a programme of Summer activities available on the Torbay Citizens’ Assembly website.

It brings together more than 40 different activities, all available for you to have a go, some o f them challenging, some familiar and some you my never have considered attempting before.

There is the Healthscape Sea Swim, an introduction to sea safety and a swim with a Healthscape Instructor to help build confidence and ability in the water. They do not swim out of your depth, and they stay together to enjoy a sea dip. They also have use of a beach hut to socialise and have a hot drink and light refreshments. In previous years we have come across people entering the sea for the first time and loving it.

But if you prefer to stay on terra firma, then there is a Beach Day with boules, frisbee and beach games on Goodrington beach, or there is the opportunity have a go at Nordic Walking or perhaps you have always fancied trying Croquet? We have it covered.

There are lots of walks of varying degrees of difficulty, walking football for men and women, table tennis, meditation, sessions on digital technology including artificial intelligence or even an afternoon disco.

If you really want to stay one step ahead and be as physically and mentally good as you can be, then there is no better place to start than with Active Lives, which, as well as the Summer programme, runs several eight-week-long courses a year in Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.

Embracing exercise is not just an essential part of ageing; it is a great way to add not just years to your life, but also life to your years.
Find out more from our Participation Development Lead, Jess Slade on 07772 023170 or via email [email protected]